How Does a Web Developer Contribute to a Website?

What is a Web Developer?

Web developers write code that creates a website, both at the front end and back end. The front end is what website users will see, and the back end is the part that is responsible for sending information to the front end. In smaller companies, a web developer is also tasked with some sort of web design. 

A web developer can be responsible for:

• Developing the code that runs on the front end and back end to establish the website’s parameters. 
• Building website front-end and back-end code to define the parameters of the website.
• Collaborating with website designers to create a website’s look and feel
• Developing a way to gather User feedback
• Reviewing what users have said to make corrections and enhance the user experience (UX)
• Using testing tools to continuously monitor the website.
• Maintain up-to-date and current software.
• Ensuring websites and related applications are secure 

What Is the Average Salary for a Web Developer? 

Web developers are often full-time employees, but many work on a part-time, freelance or contract basis. They are paid based upon their level of education and experience. Other factors such as company size and the nature of the company can also impact a web developer’s salary.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Web Developer? 

Web developers often have a combination of education, training, and certifications that help them excel in their roles. They also have a blend of soft and hard skills for success. 

Education

Many companies would like to see a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related area; however, it is possible to find work with an associate degree. An associate degree from a community college may be able to be transferred to a four-year college or university in order to earn a bachelor’s degree in an additional two years. There are some universities that provide a web-based Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development and Design. Other colleges provide a Bachelor’s Degree in Interactive Media Design that provides courses which might prepare students for a web development career.

Training

Much of a web developer’s training takes place while obtaining their education through interactive classes and assignments or during internships. Students also have the opportunity to get real-world experience in web development and build professional connections at their internships that might lead to jobs upon graduation.

Alternatively, coding boot camps for aspiring web developers can also be completed. Coding boot camps are programs of intense study, usually ranging from 1 to 9 months. An individual learns several programming languages and how they are used in the creation of websites and programs in a boot camp. In addition to teaching a web developer how to develop websites, a boot camp may also focus on data analytics, user experience (UX) design, and marketing.

When a web developer joins a new workplace, he or she is instructed on the particular structure and company needs. They learn how to apply their programming knowledge to develop the needed websites for clients. In addition, managers can also instruct them about company policies and procedures, including filling out the necessary paperwork and keeping track of hours spent on various projects.

Web developers have to continuously train themselves to keep up with the ever-changing programming languages and frameworks, along with their respective updates, releases, etc. They can follow blogs or articles online to keep up to date with the latest languages and updates, or take training courses or attend conferences to make sure they are aware of the latest languages and updates.

Certifications

Though not required, web developers can acquire several certifications that demonstrate their expertise in different coding languages, skills, and tools, such as: 

• Programming language certifications

Successful web developer job candidates will prove their skill by gaining certification in languages like JavaScript, jQuery, Python, PHP, and Ruby. Offered by various sources, these certifications have different examination requirements and standards.

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

This certification can show that the web developer has expertise in a variety of different products, depending on which Adobe Creative Cloud product they certify in, or which group of products they certify in (such as the Adobe Experience Manager). 

• Microsoft certifications

HTML5 is a web markup language, and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) HTML5 App Development Fundamentals is an entry-level certificate for the web markup language. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is the entry-level certification that shows knowledge in Microsoft solutions including Azure, SQL 2016, and Universal Windows Platform, and is a prerequisite for Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD). MCSD candidates then have to take development and programming exams to further develop a developer’s skills in application development. 

• Google Analytics Individual Qualification

It provides a basic and advanced certification in the concepts of Google Analytics such as implementation and collection, configuration and administration, and reports and dimensions.

• Professional Scrum Developer

A certification provided by scrum.org, which demonstrates proficiency in the use of the Scrum framework, a popular project management approach used in the software and web development industry. There is no requirement to renew a Professional Scrum Developer certification. 

Skills

Web Developers require a number of technical and soft skills for use in the workplace:

• Technical skills

Web Developers should be proficient in coding languages like HTML 5, PHP, and JavaScript. Some knowledge of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and ASP. Also, understanding of tools like Oracle and SQL Server will make the aspiring web developer even more desirable as a job seeker, and of course,. NET and AngularJS will make him even more attractive. 

• Communication

Web developers should be able to communicate with and comprehend their clients’ and team’s needs. As clients often don’t have a technical background, developers often need to explain complex subjects in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. 

• Detail-orientation

These experts can write and examine thousands of lines of code to build a website. They need to be highly observant of the details to ensure that they are able to spot and correct minor mistakes that could result in the assembly performing incorrectly at the final stage. 

• Time management

Particularly if they work on a freelance or multiple contract basis, web developers often simultaneously create several websites. They have to prioritize work, establish and follow deadlines, and set work schedules.

• Self-motivated learning

Web developers should be ready to learn new tools and techniques as companies update them continuously in a field that evolves continuously. It is also important that they put into practice any new technique in existing websites to enhance UX. 

What Is the Working Environment of Web Developers? 

The work environments of web developers are similar, although they may be found in different industries:

• Excessive sitting at a desk and using a computer
• Being present and taking part in face-to-face, phone, and video meetings
• Troubleshooting and learning online via the internet for errors and applications.
• A job that requires working in an office environment in a firm or from home.

Web developers can work in different capacities, such as front-end developers, back-end developers, or full-stack developers if they perform work on both sides.

They have the opportunity to pursue a career in a variety of industries, including: 

• Software development
• Government
• Entertainment
• Finance
• Healthcare 
• Education
• Publishing
• Technology
• Marketing

How Can You Become a Web Developer? 

If you want to become a web developer, here are some steps that you could take:

1. Pursue an Education

Some companies may hire a web developer with an associate degree and some experience, but it’s typically best to have a bachelor’s degree. A coding boot camp is an option that’s available for those who have already earned a degree in a subject unrelated to web development and wish to work as a web developer. It can be helpful to review web developer job descriptions to determine the education level you need to attain to earn a job in your desired field. 

2. Accumulate a Portfolio

A web designer should have a portfolio to present to potential employers. You can include any websites or applications you’ve built, including code you’ve written to develop them, in your portfolio. There are numerous websites where you can upload your portfolio to enable hiring managers to evaluate all of your work. 

3. Earn Certifications

You can choose to earn an array of certifications that demonstrate your knowledge in a programming language, database, framework, or project management method. 

Having certifications can demonstrate your commitment to your profession and may help boost your salary. 

4. Search for Positions

After you’ve identified available jobs that are in line with your experience and education, review the application procedures. Focus your application materials for each job to be unique in order to be distinguished from other applications. Check out the job description to look for some keywords that you can use in your resume to capture and hold the hiring manager’s interest. 

What Is a Web Developer Job Description Sample? 

Looking to join a dynamic marketing firm in the cruise industry, are you a web developer looking to make an impact? This individual will help manage online marketing campaigns using banner advertising, landing pages, e-mail marketing, and websites; will have several websites to manage. The successful candidate will be experienced in web page design, with a minimum of three years’ experience, and should be proficient in HTML5, CSS, and PHP. JavaScript knowledge a plus. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but an associate’s degree with 5+ years of experience will be accepted.

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